Unknown Artist
Elephant shaped jar
- Location
- Upper Asian gallery
- Further information
This inspired and original interpretation of a globular-shaped pot bears the instantly recognisable features of an elephant. Revered by the Khmer people in their daily lives, the animal also appears in much Buddhist and Hindu iconography. This particular example is a stunning marriage of ornamental impulse and practical need. Ceramics such as this were neither ceremonial vessels nor ritual objects, but articles of daily use. Because they were not made for export they remained free of outside influences, retaining their highly distinctive Khmer character. Made from a light buff-coloured low-fired stoneware, and covered with a brittle brown glaze that is prone to flaking, such wares are the hallmark products of the Khmer ceramic tradition.
Art Gallery Handbook, 1999. pg. 298.
- Place of origin
-
Cambodia
- Cultural origin
- Khmer
- Period
- Cambodia: Angkor period 802–1431
- Year
- 11th century-12th century
- Media
- Ceramic
- Medium
- stoneware with dark brown glaze to lower body, legs unglazed
- Dimensions
- 21.0cm height
- Signature & date
- Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Purchased 1981
- Accession number
- 156.1981
